What comes to mind when you hear someone mention “tequila”? Margaritas? Blurry memories of drinking games? An old song? A hangover?

What about “gin”? Christmas trees? A Martini? A card game your grandparents play?Bathtubs?

Depending upon one's age and/or maturity level, most people associate a bottle of distilled spirits - gin, rum, whiskey, etc - as nothing more than one ingredient needed to assemble a cocktail. Others view it as something used to fill a shot glass and then throw it down your throat in an attempt to avoid the taste - a quick way to a spinning room. If you're guilty of one of the above (or both), don't worry, we've been there too. The good news is that there's help!

Blended with other ingredients, or tossed back and swallowed as quickly as possible, it is impossible to discover all that a distilled spirit has to offer. You'll never be able to explore the subtle aromas of vanilla or caramel so often found in whiskey. You'll miss the refreshing bite of citrus and smooth texture of gin. Imagine the hints of coffee and orange coming through the warm finish of an aged rum.